Stories from February 22, 2023

Blizzard winds, heavy snow set to whack southern Minnesota overnight
Weather models show the heaviest snowfall moving across Minnesota between about 10 p.m. Wednesday and 7 a.m. Thursday. Current forecasts call for another 8-11 inches for much of the Twin Cities region.
'The fight isn't over': Protesters try to stop Roof Depot demolition
After a day-long occupation, activists say they will keep fighting the impending demolition of the Roof Depot. The Minneapolis city officials say the demolition will take place as scheduled and will be done safely.
Minnesota is bracing for the second round of a winter storm that already has blanketed some parts of the state with several inches of new snow. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Music by Gary Meister.
Patient navigators help people of color get better cancer care, research shows
Patients at Mayo Clinic say that “patient navigators” — that is, individualized clinical guides —have helped them enroll in clinical trials, find payment assistance, and get on a path toward healing. Research shows the practice is also one of the only ways to reduce racial disparities in cancer care.
More than 11,000 expected for the Birkie; country's largest cross-country ski race
Despite a major winter snowstorm, more than 11,000 skiers — and 30,000 spectators — are expected in northwestern Wisconsin beginning Thursday for the American Birkebeiner, the country’s largest cross-country ski race.
Kids in crisis: How to take action on youth mental health
Young Minnesotans are struggling with their mental health, so much so that experts are calling it the second pandemic. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with experts about what that struggling looks and sounds like, and how you can help.
Poet Joe Davis is 'Reawakening Love'
Minneapolis-based artist, speaker and educator Joe Davis is having a breakout year.
State Senate approves bills granting felons voting rights and immigrants driver's licenses
The Minnesota Senate debated into the wee hours of Wednesday morning and passed a pair of bills — one that would grant felons voting rights and another lets people get driver’s licenses regardless of their immigration status.
The worst snow and wind still lie ahead Wednesday night through Thursday morning. Most of southern Minnesota will see another 9 to 15 inches of snow by midday Thursday. Thursday morning’s commute looks nearly impossible for much of Minnesota.
How does a Minnesota school district decide to call a snow day? It's not an exact science, superintendent says
Many students send creative mail to request that Rochester superintendent Kent Pekel call a snow day. None of those letters come into consideration. Here’s what does.
From the archives: Emily St. John Mandel on her smash book 'Sea of Tranquility'
Deepti Kapoor’s new novel, “Age of Vice,” is one of the most anticipated releases of 2023. We’ll talk to her on this Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas. While you wait, enjoy this interview with Emily St. John Mandel, who wrote one of the most anticipated novels of 2022, “Sea of Tranquility.”
Proyecto de ley para que los inmigrantes obtengan licencias de conducir en camino al escritorio del gobernador
El Senado de Minnesota aprobó un proyecto de ley que permite que las personas en el país sin autorización obtengan licencias de conducir. El gobernador Tim Walz dijo que lo convertirá en ley.
Tell MPR News: How is this winter storm affecting you?
A significantly stronger second wave of snow coming Wednesday afternoon will leave many parts of Minnesota with more than a foot of additional snow. Use this form to tell us what’s happening to you.
The meditative, ambient calm of Kelela's 'Raven'
If the singer was taking herself apart before, she is now presenting a unified and independent version of herself, all while actively maintaining a sense of distance from the audience.
Snow, it's not over: Storm set to drop another foot on southern Minnesota
The first round of snow will dwindle to a bit of a midday break before more significant snow develops late Wednesday afternoon into early Thursday. Many areas will receive over a foot of additional snowfall.
A massive multiday storm dropped as much as 7 inches overnight on parts of southern Minnesota — and that was just the teaser. Here’s what we know about travel conditions, school and business closings and forecasts, and what’s coming. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Hartman, Gustavsson lead Wild to 2-1 win against Kings
Ryan Hartman scored twice and Filip Gustavsson made 33 saves as the Minnesota Wild beat the Los Angeles Kings 2-1. Hartman’s goal 13 seconds into the second period was the 100th of his career.
Harding High stabbing renews debate over cops in St. Paul schools
The killing of 15-year-old Devin Scott on Feb. 10 — allegedly by a 16-year-old fellow Harding High student — renewed the debate in St. Paul over school resource officers, also called SROs. 
Cancellations, closings mount as storm's second punch muscles into Minnesota
MnDOT says I-90 and all state highways from Worthington west to the South Dakota border and south to the Iowa border are closed. Hundreds of Twin Cities airport flights have been canceled. Here’s the latest on travel conditions, school and business closings and forecasts.
Immigrants driver’s license bill on way to governor’s desk
The Minnesota Senate passed a bill early Wednesday that allows people in the country without authorization to get drivers licenses. Gov. Tim Walz has said he’ll sign it into law.
Student athletes battle an unexpected opponent — a storm — to make it to state
Having faced tough opponents all season, many Minnesota High School athletes are now facing one they didn't expect: a historic winter storm. Some of the competitors in the state tournament for girls’ gymnastics and hockey hit the road early to make sure they got to St. Paul in time.
The EPA steps in to take over the East Palestine train derailment cleanup
Under the legal order, Norfolk Southern is responsible for the costs and cleanup of soil and water contaminated by the release of hazardous chemicals from its derailed train earlier this month.